risingwiththeson

The Unseen Reality

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.ContinueContinue reading “The Unseen Reality”

Seek Shelter Under His Wings

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and petitioned our GodContinueContinue reading “Seek Shelter Under His Wings”

Share It Anyway

You are a spring of water giving Israel life and hope.But if the people reject what you have told me,they will be swept away like words written in dust.(Jeremiah 17:13 CEV) Who would know this better than God’s own prophet? Jeremiah had faithfully passed down God’s message to the people, but he also realized thatContinueContinue reading “Share It Anyway”

Stronger

“Stand at attention while I prepare you for your work. I’m making you as impregnable as a castle, Immovable as a steel post, solid as a concrete block wall. You’re a one-man defense system against this culture, Against Judah’s kings and princes, against the priests and local leaders. They’ll fight you, but they won’t evenContinueContinue reading “Stronger”

Manipulating or Trusting?

Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps. (Jeremiah 10:23 NIV) Isaac and Rebekah started out trusting God. Their divinely arranged marriage is an inspiring story (you can read about it in Genesis 24). When Rebekah couldn’t have children, the Bible tells us thatContinueContinue reading “Manipulating or Trusting?”

While He May Be Found

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.(Jeremiah 29:13 NIV) How reassuring to know that God will be found when we seek Him wholeheartedly. The religious Athenians, who worshipped “an unknown god,” were able to know Him through Paul, who taught them that “he is not far fromContinueContinue reading “While He May Be Found”

Speak His Word

Then the LORD told me: Stop talking like a fool!If you turn back to me and speak my message,I will let you be my prophet once again.(Jeremiah 15:19 CEV) These are some very strong words, but God had to scold His prophet, who was beginning to complain and talk like a fool during his hardships.ContinueContinue reading “Speak His Word”

We’re Not Alone

He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” (1 Kings 19:10 NIV) When Jezebel threatened to killContinueContinue reading “We’re Not Alone”

Manasseh

Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh and said, “It is because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” (Genesis 41:51 NIV) Joseph endured many hardships in his life. Out of jealousy, his brothers sold him into slavery, and while living with his master, Joseph was wrongfully accused and thrown intoContinueContinue reading “Manasseh”

The God Who Exceeds Our Expectations

He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” (Genesis 15:5 NIV) “I love the story of Abraham looking at the stars and the number of children that God promised to give him,” readContinueContinue reading “The God Who Exceeds Our Expectations”